7 places you should be checking

May 20, 2013 |Popular Mechanics

If you never bother to check these areas, you could be in for some expensive, time-consuming repairs.

Popular Mechanics

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The Water Heater

Homeowners don't often think about their appliances until they break. But some need regular attention, such as the water heater. "Sediment gathers in the bottom of tank," Rydmark says. "Draining it lessens the sediment gathering in the bottom. Therefore you stretch the life of the water heater."
Draining it is fairly straightforward: Start by turning off the power or gas to the appliance and turning off the cold water supply that feeds in the water. Then attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank, turn the valve to open it, and direct the water into the drain, which should be located nearby. Turn the water back on for a minute or two to flush out any stubborn sediment remaining in the tank. Then close the drain valve, open the cold water supply to fill the water heater back up, and relight the pilot light or flip the power back on.

Homeowners don't often think about their appliances until they break. But some need regular attention, such as the water heater. "Sediment gathers in the bottom of tank," Rydmark says. "Draining it lessens the sediment gathering in the bottom. Therefore you stretch the life of the water heater."
Draining it is fairly straightforward: Start by turning off the power or gas to the appliance and turning off the cold water supply that feeds in the water. Then attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank, turn the valve to open it, and direct the water into the drain, which should be located nearby. Turn the water back on for a minute or two to flush out any stubborn sediment remaining in the tank. Then close the drain valve, open the cold water supply to fill the water heater back up, and relight the pilot light or flip the power back on.